My Journey With Weight Loss – Staying Safe as a Walker or Runner

Today I didn’t want to run or walk. I did my interval training in the morning and was happy I got through it. Then I did my second workout walk and thought, really I don’t want to do this. It is not because I have any physical reason not to, it was mental. Quite frankly I was bored. It might be because my schedule has been seriously messed up this week due to a bunch of meetings but even watching something on Netflix while I walked didn’t entertain me. However, I bucked myself up and reminded myself that I am only a week away from going to the trailer where I will still work out just not quite as much.

This week I had 2 scary incidents that really bother me. The first was at a busy intersection where I had hit the button on a pedestrian crosswalk. The lights were flashing but a driver in a pickup seemed to think that meant he should speed up rather than stop. Fortunately I had seen him and waited. The second was the same intersection and the vehicles had stopped so I thought I was ok. But no, a cyclist came whipping through as I stepped out into the street. I yelled at her saying this is a crosswalk, I have the right of way, she gave me the finger (note this was a woman in probably her 40’s).

These are not the only incidents that I have encountered. The worst was crossing a street when a young woman tried to drive straight through the intersection. I did the WTF indication as I passed her car and she rolled down her window and started crying. I stepped over to her car and said sweetie, can you imagine what you would feel if you had hit me. She apologizes profusely and said she wasn’t paying attention. She was obviously distraught so I told her then great, take this as a learning moment, watch what you are doing and make sure you are looking out for people like me.

Let’s be honest, despite the laws if you are walking or running it is up to us to make sure those not paying attention don’t hurt us. I ride a motorcycle and the mantra is always just assume the people driving cars don’t see you. Well, I have become the same when walking. I know I do the right thing and whenever possible I waive drivers through intersections so they don’t get impatient. I watch carefully at every intersection to ensure I am safe. I will note I hate the fact that it is on me and that law enforcement has witnessed things and done nothing. But quite frankly, I don’t want to be a statistic and be killed because and idiot drivers (or cyclists) aren’t paying attention.

So what can you do, well 1) I make sure I can be seen. That means I make sure I have some sort of fluorescent clothing when it is not really bright outside. My hubby gave me a great light up waist belt that makes it clear I am a walker going down the road. 2) Assume no one sees you. Yep, I get that as a pedestrian you have the right of way (as long as you too are following the rules of the road) but quite frankly cars, bikes and even those on scooters don’t seem to care. 3) Regardless of the rules, give them the right of way. Really anger over idiots not knowing the rules of the road isn’t worth it.

Find your way to stay safe. I admit I get angry at those not obeying the rules and think they should just succumb to me being out walking. But they won’t so it is up to me to keep myself safe. But it is also up to you.

As a final note, just be aware of your environment. I don’t care if it is a walker, runner, cyclist, or motorcyclist. When you are in that massive vehicle, just remember you will do more damage to them than they can do to you.